Ann Caldwell Buell

Long-time Farmers State Bank matriarch, Ann Caldwell Buell, gracefully passed away January 30, 2014, in Winthrop, WA at age 95. Ann and her late husband, Frank Buell, purchased Farmers State Bank in 1964, and moved to the Methow Valley from Seattle in 1967. Hers was a familiar face, as she worked in the small family-owned bank some 30 years. After her husband’s passing in 1993, she also served on the board many years, including over five as Chairman. The Buells’ son-in-law, Ed Adams, Bank President, and grandson, Beau Buell Adams, Chief Financial Officer, currently are in charge of Farmers State Bank operations. Their daughter, Georgia Buell Adams, serves as Board Secretary.

Ann was born December 22, 1918, to David and Nell Caldwell in Chicago. The Caldwells came to Seattle in 1924. They lived in Laurelhurst, where Ann attended Cornish School of Music and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1936. She attended the University of Washington, where she joined Kappa Delta Sorority. She met Frank at a Kappa Delta /Alpha Tau Omega dance. After he graduated, they married in her parents’ Laurelhurst backyard. Frank’s 30-year banking career with Seattle-First National Bank took them to Lake Chelan and Wenatchee, before they returned to the Laurelhurst community in Seattle in 1950. He then served as Executive Vice President of Seafirst, working at the Head Office before coming to Winthrop. He also served as President of Washington Bankers Association in 1966-‘67.

Ten years later, the Buells established their waterfront home on Miller Bay, near Poulsbo, where children Nicholas, Georgia and identical twin sister, Suzanne, graduated from North Kitsap High School. An older brother, Bradley, graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle. In Seattle, the Buells enjoyed social memberships in Washington Athletic Club, Harbor Club, Rainier Club, Arctic Club, Wing Point Golf and Country Club, and Laurelhurst Beach Club. Besides being a 75-year member of Kappa Delta, Ann retained memberships in DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), PEO International and First Church of Christ, Scientists of Boston. In the Methow Valley, she enjoyed giving the Frank L. Buell memorial scholarship, a tradition she started in 1995.

Ann “adored” her husband and four children and enjoyed supporting their activities - Brad’s passion for restoring cars, Nick racing his hydroplanes, and her twin daughters’ figure skating and cheerleading endeavors. She also enjoyed helping her husband entertain his many bank customers at Seafirst. She had a wonderful memory and never forgot anyone’s name. In her free time, she loved to travel with her husband to Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., Sun Valley and New Orleans. Her favorite destination, however, was always the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki beach.

A relative newcomer to the family, Beau’s wife, Roxanna, remembers Ann as being a genuine, cheerful lady, who loved to laugh and always had a smile on her face. She also gave good, loving advice and taught Roxanna not to be afraid of life.

At Ann’s request, No Services are planned. Memorials may be made to Jamie’s Place, 109 Norfolk Street, Winthrop, WA 98862.

The Buell-Adams/Caldwell families gratefully acknowledge the staff of Jamie’s Place, “who lovingly cared for our mother.” They also offer special thanks to Larry Higbee of Winthrop, who “was always there for both Ann and Frank.”